Plural Onto-epistemology in Medical Education:Issues of Philosophy of Medicinein Korean Medicine Education

The field of Korean medicine education serves as a comparative philosophical arena where plural onto-epistemologies coexist, compete, and negotiate. This is not only a matter of the philosophy of medicine; it is also a practical concern that must be addressed to enhance educational outcomes in the field. Since 2000, discussions of post-humanism has advanced actively, providing a theoretical framework for tackling these challenges. This paper aims to situate these possibilities within the context of Korean medicine education, thereby engaging with issues surrounding plural onto-epistemologies. Specifically, the components and properties of medicinal herbs—which are central to the herbology curriculum of Korean medicine—are examined as significant examples for illustrating plural onto-epistemologies. By considering the differences among various onto-epistemological horizons, this study proposes a “diplomacy” among plural metaphysics. To cultivate practitioners capable of dual metaphysical engagement, it is essential to understand the respective logics of each onto-epistemology. In exploring these logics, this paper focuses on the role of philosophy of medicine within Korean medicine education.